Defence

BAE Systems launches FalconWorks

Posted 10 July 2023

BAE Systems has launched a new division within its Air Sector called FalconWorks, a new research facility to advance combat air capability.

Above: Tempest aircraft model inside Warton wind tunnel.
Courtesy BAE Systems

FalconWorks is a new centre for advanced and agile research and development designed to deliver a range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities to the UK and its allies.

FalconWorks will focus on generating ideas, innovation and collaboration – working with new and existing partners, academia, research organisations, SMEs and national governments to deliver rapid concepting of new products and services needed by air force customers to maintain their edge.

Governments around the world are acutely aware of the increasing pace of technological change and the need to strengthen and adapt their security and defence to manage the evolving threat.

Specialists at FalconWorks will assess emerging trends and deliver solutions with speed and efficiency, increasing the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum sensing and robotics. They will also collaborate with partners in areas such as autonomy, synthetic environments and electrical powered air systems.

Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks at BAE Systems said: "Defending our freedoms is becoming ever more unpredictable – the only constant is change. The creation of FalconWorks is a reflection of the changing environment and our goal to ensure innovative technology development is at the core of everything we do. This new division builds on our established expertise in world-leading combat air programmes such as Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest to unlock opportunities to expand our portfolio and deliver the breakthrough technologies which keep our customers ahead."

BAE Systems has a long history of working with leading academic institutions and industry to harness knowledge in the defence sector. In the past three years, the Company has invested £800 million of its own money in research and development.

BAE Systems is central to the delivery of the UK’s sovereign combat air capability and providing combat air readiness to air force customers around the world. FalconWorks will be a vital part of BAE Systems, exploring market opportunities in the UK and international air sector.